Tags: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Comedy, Romance, School Life, Villainess, Isekai

Sub-Tags: Misunderstandings, OP, Strong Lead, Otome

The Hidden Boss Tries Territory Management!

A Domain Fit for a Villainess

Successfully putting to bed the issue of the demon lord and managing to graduate from the academy, the second instalment of the Level 99 Villainess sees Yumiella dabbling in territory management.

Following the downfall of her parents, the ripples of their neglect and taste for the high life once again raises its ugly head as Yumiella prepares to manage her family’s territory. As Yumiella arrives on the scene, she finds Dolkness County in serious trouble. The territory is haemorrhaging money, and its acting leader has been forced to commit fraud – and that’s just the start of Yumiella’s issues. 

As it turns out, the rumours about her abilities haven’t just stayed within the confines of the capital, and as a result, the population of her domain are either extremely wary or treats her as if she were a god. Given Yumiella’s personality, however, these interactions don’t last long as they quickly find out she’s just a powerful airhead who wouldn’t say boo to a goose.

The Duke and the Radicals

After settling the false rumours about her, Yumiella is finally able to start managing her domain and providing ample opportunity for the story to develop in several interesting directions.

The first concerns the main plot of the second volume. Having made a name for herself as the world’s strongest and come into a position of power, it provides the perfect opportunity for the radicals to reveal themselves. Playing a minor role in the previous volume, this latest instalment finds the radicals finally making their play for power under the guidance of Duke Hillrose.

Whilst the true motivations of Duke Hillrose end up being far from wanting to take over the country, it nevertheless ends up in a battle by the volume’s climax. True to Villainess Level 99 fashion, this once serious moment is turned into a barrel of laughs as Yumiella fails to pay attention to the Duke’s posturing, focusing more on settling a score with a barrier and getting her hands on a giant monster summoning flute. 

As an aside, this plot focusing on the doomed ambitions of the radical faction brings some much-needed development towards Eleanora. Given the amount of scheming and backstabbing that’s going on around her, it’s surprising how she’s able to keep in such good spirits. Luckily, things are only looking up for her as she ends up a permanent resident of Yumiella’s domain alongside her father.

Patrick and the Impenetrable Density

Yumiella gaining her own domain also sees development within the main side-plot of the series, the ever-developing romance between Yumiella and Patrick. The rewards for Patrick’s struggles through Yumiella’s density this time are plentiful as he slowly comes to the realisation that the best way to progress is just to be straight with the world’s hidden boss.

Their romantic escapades begin at the territory of Patrick’s parents. The Meet the Parents event is almost always considered a stressful occasion, but things go swimmingly for Yumiella due to the parent’s advance notice of her personality.

As a result of the meeting and getting their blessing, things between them move thick and fast (even if Yumiella is slow to realise), and by the end of the volume, there’s the potential for wedding bells in the near future.

Upon completing the second instalment of Villainess Level 99, it is safe to say that the series has kept its winning formula – a mix of well-timed comedy and interesting storylines.

Having moved past the original content of the Otome game, the author provides Yumiella with a new purpose, creating a territory filled with wonderful people and interesting outcasts. As a result, the series sees great strides in development as Yumiella becomes less of a social pariah, helping others and keeping up constant interactions. This, in turn, helps with the development of her relationship with Patrick as they move from dating to being engaged to getting married. 

Overall, Villainess Level 99’s second volume makes for a great sequel. Filled with wonderful comedy and constant development, this series remains a standout in the heaving crowd that is the Otome genre.